History Made in St Vincent and the Grenadines as Their Parliament Passes Medicinal Marijuana Bill

History has been made in St Vincent and the Grenadines as they have become the first OECS Member State to decriminalize marijuana for medical purposes and scientific research, under a tightly controlled framework.

Speaking from on the passage of the Bill in Parliament on December 11th, SVG's Minister for Agriculture The Hon. Saboto Ceaser, said the passing signified the Caribbean island was now positioned to become a globally leading medicinal cannabis hub not only in terms of high quality production but research.

“The planning of this innovative industry has been carefully conducted over a long period of time in close consultation with the agricultural sector and many different stakeholders to reach the level of maturity we see today.

“There is broad recognition and buy-in of the economic benefits this tightly controlled and regulated industry is expected to bring in terms of direct employment, the creation of support industries and foreign investment.

“SVG is unique in that our growing conditions are suited to producing the highest quality grade medicinal cannabis available on the global market and this is recognized with the increase in investor sentiment and inquiries we are receiving both regionally and abroad " said Minister Caesar.

In a media release from the OECS Secretariat, OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules congratulated OECS Chairman and SVG PM Dr. The Hon Ralph Gonsalves and Minister The Hon. Saboto Caesar on their bold leadership in the creation of a modern medicinal cannabis industry framework.

“On behalf of the OECS Commission I would like to particularly recognize the Hon. Sabato Caesar as the youngest parliamentary representative at the age of 37 for his tireless dedication to unlocking economic opportunities through agriculture for the OECS region – the agri shipping initiative being another successful program" said Dr. Jules.

Traditional cultivators, stakeholders and others have joined the Government in celebrating the passing of the Bill as the Government now moves to direct its focus toward implementation of the legal framework for the production of medicinal marijuana within St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Hon Prime Minister Dr The Hon Ralph Gonsalves had the following to say: